Does Personality Similarity Matter at Work?

"One view is that in relationships, differences in personality are adaptive because people can complement each other. For example, one might assume that someone who is very messy could function better in a relationship with a tidy partner than with another person who is also very messy. On the other hand, a contrasting view is that personality similarity is more adaptive. Indeed, it is not difficult to imagine that a messy person may feel more at ease with like-minded messy persons."

"Researchers have taken a closer look at these popular assumptions. While some studies have found no effects of personality similarity, some seem to find positive effects of personality similarity. Women report higher levels of relationship satisfaction when their personality is more similar to their partner's. Likewise, students like teachers with personality characteristics that are more similar to their own's more."

Personality similarity among coworkers and supervisors influences both job performance and employee well-being. Similarity sometimes enhances rapport, satisfaction, and liking, while complementary differences can provide functional benefits through role balance and skill compensation. Observed outcomes vary: some studies find no effect, others report positive effects of similarity such as higher relationship satisfaction and student preference for similar teachers. Boss-employee trait alignment—such as congruent openness to innovation—can shape idea acceptance and workplace interactions. Adapting behavior to colleagues' personalities can improve collaboration and produce positive outcomes depending on context and role demands.

Read at Psychology Today